Groups of Five: Sponsoring LGBTQ Refugees in Canada

[@RandyPaterson]

Please understand that this post is intended primarily for information for potential donors to Rainbow Refugee and Rainbow Railroad. For information on attaining refugee status or sponsorship, please consult the government of Canada website or the agencies themselves. Due to the significant problem of persecution on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, these two small volunteer organizations are unable to provide help to all of the people who are in need. I am not able to provide guidance on working with them and do not accept or process refugee applications myself. Thank you.

[@AmitBhardwaj-ry5qp]

I'm gay from India and want to come to Canada. I had written to rainbow refugees and got their reply after 4 months n have replied them. I really don't know if I will b alive to see their reply again as I may end up my life till then but I liked this video hope it would change someone's life if not mine.

[@RandyPaterson]

There is no question that there are more people feeling discrimination within their societies than these organizations are able to accommodate. And when they CAN respond, the process is typically a long and slow one. Change does come, however, including within societies. Canada in the 1960s had laws worse than those in India today, but progressed step by step with the commitment and efforts of members of the community. India has made some remarkable steps in the past decade, and the discussion there seems to be broadening. It will take time and effort, and progress will, if Canada's example is any guide, be uneven across the country. Best wishes.

[@AmitBhardwaj-ry5qp]

@@RandyPaterson I agree it will take time but what about people like us who are already 40 how much time is left for people like us.

[@mikemacoli8508]

Hello Dr Randy. Thanks for this marvelous job sir! I am here for help and hope you are in the right place to help me sir.

[@afghankhan8781]

Hey sir i have a question For the rainbow refugee sponsorship refugee status is required?

[@EA_47_]

Thank you for your help in the first place. And thank you for helping sponsor refugees. I have a question I hope you can find my comment and help me: If I am trying to help my in laws family to get sponsor here how I can do it? I came as a refugee to Vancouver in 2017 but alone I can't sponsor them. They have been refugees in Lebanon since 2016 registered in the United Nations. After buirt explosion and the economic crisis life is almost impossible in Lebanon and they can't go back to Syria can you please guide me to whom should I contact for help? Thank you

[@RandyPaterson]

If you are already in Canada, consult the Canadian Immigration website or you could consult a local immigration lawyer or immigrant services society.

[@GaysByNature]

Hi Dr. Randy I appreciate ur informative video, I'm currently in touch with Railbow railroad, but I few questions to ask if u don't mind

[@RandyPaterson]

Hi there, Go right ahead. I may not be able to help with some of the technical details, forms, etc, nor the work with UNHCR, but I'm happy to address questions to which I have answers.

[@Ashok-tc6um]

Hi, My question is not about G5 or Private Sponsors, but still asking maybe you have some idea. I am a refugee, who's referred for resettlement in Canada by UNHCR about a month ago. I have already been through biometrics and medical examination by IOM. Received a letter by IRCC regarding Pre-Arrival Services. When I checked today at IRCC website for estimated time period for Government Assisted Refugees Program, it shows 31 months in the country where I am currently hiding. My question, does it really take so long?

[@RandyPaterson]

I'm afraid I don't have access to information on Canada Immigration's wait times. I would recommend checking with the local consulate.

[@Ashok-tc6um]

@@RandyPaterson I already got a details for my flights from IOM ..

[@Jamesugg]

​@@Ashok-tc6umwhen?

[@Ashok-tc6um]

@@Jamesugg I arrived in Canada on 24 May

[@Jamesugg]

@@Ashok-tc6um great to hear that all went well.

[@heedursameen164]

hi sir i want to khow who prosesing time this sponcer?

[@cicihusainah999]

is must have applying a Canadian tourist visa for eligible to become a Canadian LGBTQ refugees?, and I think this is so beneficial for applying a Canadian LGBTQ refugees....

[@RandyPaterson]

Most refugees that successfully become permanent residents apply through UNHCR and Canadian missions abroad to be designated refugees, and are eventually selected or sponsored to come to Canada. Declaring refugee status upon arrival in Canada on another type of visa is a more difficult process.

[@amirrezaesmi543]

tnx

[@RandyPaterson]

You're welcome. Hope it is helpful.

[@amirrezaesmi543]

@@RandyPaterson it was

[@NombreDeteronome]

GOD BLESS ALL CANADA CITY ❤️🌹🌹 BEST COUNTRY 💗💗🙏

[@alihazara207]

Hi Dear Sir I'm a refugee from Afghanistan living in Indonesia for 7 years under UNHCR organization I've the all status of been a refugee should be in that & I know all about the sponsorship regulations and even the money should be neccessary for sponsorship unfortunately the process is so slowly here I'm searching or looking for G5 group of sponsorship dear could you can say by replying my comment how can I find it or there's any way to find someone sponsor me I'm waiting for your response Thank you and stay safe 🙏

[@kabedilydia7357]

Good days i m a refugee living in South Africa i need protection me and my family please help me

[@davegroman7392]

Very helpful

[@caashaqbaahirgalayhussein5117]

I'm interested I'm refugee staying south Africa i have problems several time i have being finally they hurt me with pangs and knife they cut my thumb me and my family we have problems we need you help and support if know you humanity

[@allysoobratty7565]

Hi I'm a Gay looking for Asylum in Canada because of PERSECUTIONS in my country.How long the process takes to come to Canada?

[@JUNAIDSWABIAN]

Love you for the useful information

[@RandyPaterson]

Thank you.

[@AsamiAri]

I wanna come to canada soon, due to my happiness

[@RandyPaterson]

With current border closures both tourism and much immigration is on hold, but eventually things will change. It is a beautiful country - not perfect, but better than most I believe.

[@yassintawakoli1885]

Sir please Tell me about the process of group of five it how Longe take time from submitted by immigration until go to Canada

[@RandyPaterson]

You would have to ask the Canadian embassy about this. I have not heard of a case taking less than one year, though there may be some. For most it takes longer.

[@hari_meshi]

Hi Sir am a Zambian refugee from Burundi and we applied for permanent residence in Canada (G5) private sponsorship. I want know for how long dou they uploade new step after been given case number and online service

[@RandyPaterson]

I'm afraid that I don't have information on processing times or policies for the government or for the LGBTQ sponsorship agencies.

[@bimauwarose9610]

Am a refugee and how can i get a sponsor

[@امیرحسیناکبری-ه9ذ]

hi thank you for sharing this info it helped me regain my hopes. im a bisexual Iranian Male, if the government finds out about it ill be executed, even if it goes public some groups of people ( regular citizens) might try to kill me because of religious beliefs. does this apply to me? also not to mention im 20 and fast learner but i dont have much funds because of economical crisis. also i cant have a passport yet because we have compulsive military service. is there a chance for me?

[@RandyPaterson]

Iran is one of the countries of origin for LGBTQ people admitted to Canada on refugee status, as I understand it. For further information I would recommend contacting Rainbow Refugee or Rainbow Railroad, or consulting the information on their websites. Your description of your situation is an example of what these organizations were founded for.

[@dahabizizy]

@@RandyPaterson rainbow railroad is waste of te ihve been contacting with them for 2year my case is listed but still no progress and lastly they don't even respond ugh

[@RandyPaterson]

@@dahabizizy As you can imagine, there are huge numbers of LGBTQ people around the world with a legitimate claim to refugee status, and the two main Canadian organizations (mainly volunteer-run) will never be able to help them all. They are massively over-subscribed. My main purpose in posting these videos is for people within Canada to consider donating to the cause or become involved in a "Group of Five" themselves.

[@dahabizizy]

i didn't knew u can claim assylum at Canadian embassy abroad I'm gay who is running away from persecution and family honour killing🤦🏽but still scared to go Canadian embassy

[@RandyPaterson]

Not asylum, necessarily. But one can start the process of application for refugee status. I’m not currently clear on whether one has to have fled the country of origin first, though. The government of Canada website should make some of this clear.

[@seydougueye1855]

Can you tell me how long this process takes please

[@RandyPaterson]

Generally speaking, at least a year, more often longer. But the agencies themselves could give you a better estimate. It also depends entirely on the availability of sponsors to form groups within Canada.

[@onlinecomputer5642]

I'm from bangladesh. any one help me to go to canada

[@brokenintrovert.7554]

@@onlinecomputer5642 yes i can help you

[@thatsmeyesme7679]

Hi sir Can the refugee pay the G5 so that they get the sponsorship?

[@RandyPaterson]

That's a question you would have to ask one of the two organizations mentioned in the video. I'd suggest getting in touch with them.

[@adamkoussa6862]

Money needs to be raised inside Canada.---Adam, Rainbow Refugee.

[@mohsen1334]

Hello sir. I'm from Afghanistan and I'm refugee in Indonesia. So I must searching sponsorship to arriving Canada but unfortunately i don't know any person on Canada for sponsorship. So sir can you introduce who's can sponsorship ?actually I really need to sponsorship

[@RandyPaterson]

The websites for Rainbow Refugee and Rainbow Railroad both have information for people seeking refugee status and sponsorship. I recommend consulting with these, and if Canada is the preferred destination, to consult the Canadian website for information on how to go about the process.

[@ukeimut5490]

I'm from Indonesia. here there is not a single community or organization that can help sponsor or assist in facilitating the process of making a protection visa. Discrimination in Indonesia is getting higher and continues to increase as more and more Wahhabism come in, but no one cares to help us.

[@lalitbaloda]

Hello My husband got PR last year in Canada and I’m living in India . We are together since 2016 but living in long distance relationship , how can we apply for my PR ? Or he can sponsor me?

[@RandyPaterson]

This is something to ask the Canadian government, or consult their immigration website. There are also immigration lawyers and the two gay refugee groups mentioned in the video who can help with this type of information.

[@lalitbaloda]

@@RandyPaterson those two groups are not replying .We don’t know any Lawyer.

[@KirungudhaAli]

How can i get a new resettlement in canada am a Ugandan

[@RandyPaterson]

If you are attempting to apply as a refugee, you would best consult with the embassy or with UNHCR.

[@ali.rabwah]

I am refugee in thailand 4 and haf year i am from pakistan i want to come canada how i can

[@RandyPaterson]

For all issues relating to Canadian refugee policy, I would advise you to consult the Canadian Embassy or the government website, here: www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

[@autumnjones3699]

Hi Dr Randy. Can refugees carry their money or their bank card ?

[@RandyPaterson]

Upon arrival and processing at the airport, the individual is no longer a refugee, but a permanent resident. As such, they have all the same rights as any other PR. The group of 5 would typically assist the individual in obtaining a new bank account and card. If they have remaining funds from their country of origin, they can transfer these to the Canadian account.

[@sh9052]

@@RandyPaterson Hi Dr Randy, I lost my asylum case in USA, because no one help me. I like to apply asylum in canada . is it possible ? Pls ley me know.

[@melmuaksa3575]

Can you also sponsor a family of 4 ? 2 kids and a wife. We have a refugee status in South africa. Please assist

[@RandyPaterson]

The Canadian Group of Five program is for individuals, couples, and families, and is not restricted by sexual orientation or gender identity. The charities I reference in the video, however, are specifically designed to help individuals, couples, or families whose refugee status is on the basis of discrimination, oppression, or threat of violence or persecution for LGBTQ identity.

[@slflavo1310]

Hello sir.im gay I'm Udaya from Sri Lanka.please help me how to find LGBTQ refugee sponcer in Canada?

[@augustinemintah3541]

Good morning sir, I am in a country where lgbtq is frown upon and I fear for my life, please is there any way I can enter Canada and seek an asylum, because of my sexual orientation my family don’t want to have anything to do with me and work is hard to get due to my sexual orientation, I hold hnd in building technology and since I completed school no proper job due to my sexual orientation, I need help and advices

[@RandyPaterson]

I would recommend contacting one of the two agencies I discuss in the videos - both have websites with contact information. You can also consult the Government of Canada Immigration website. Best wishes.

[@augustinemintah3541]

How to be Miserable thank dear

[@augustinemintah3541]

Please can I know the agencies involved, thanks

[@annaamweno3504]

It's well. One day it will come to pass

[@waqaskhokhar7729]

Hello sir I’m from Pakistan living in Malaysia refugee so please help me im very upset in Malaysia please help me im coming in Canada

[@RandyPaterson]

For information on services from these charities, please proceed to their websites. If you have inquiries, please contact them directly.

[@sofiakawiso7082]

I need asylum me and my girlfriend anyone to help me out we need safety

[@akrmakrm8609]

please halpe me l am form etiopan lives In lebanon refugees I want came to Canada please

[@RandyPaterson]

Please contact UNHCR or the gov't of Canada directly, or consult Rainbow Refugee or Rainbow Railroad. Best wishes.

[@moazamalimoazamali8892]

Sir can you provide me email id vich is easy to contact rainbow organization person I'm asylum seekers status in Malaysia I'm come from Pakistan I'm waiting for your reply ya

[@RandyPaterson]

Rainbow Refugee is at rainbowrefugee.com; Rainbow Railroad is at rainbowrailroad.org. Complete contact information on both is available at their websites.

[@abdulghaniabdulkadeerelmin2023]

How long will it take me to get there

[@RandyPaterson]

At the moment my understanding is that much is on hold, though I can't speak for the organizations mentioned in the video. Even in normal times it varies a great deal, as there are multiple steps in the process - many of which are outside these organizations' hands. My advice would be contact the organization you are interested in and inquire as to the usual timeline and the current status of programs. I do know that when the covid-19 crisis is over, these organizations will be there.

[@mboggalawrence2696]

I need help am a transgender person live in saudia Arabia as a refugee but want to immigrate to Canada I need help

[@RandyPaterson]

I would recommend consulting the websites for both Rainbow Refugee and Rainbow Railroad for additional information on how to apply and how their programs work.

[@kabedilydia7357]

Good day I m living in South Africa as a refugee i need your assistance and protection the government of South Africa refuse to help me and family please government canada help me to came to Canada of protection thanks

[@teferasorato2135]

I Need it

[@yashaaxmed4598]

Thank you are information I am from africa stay indonesia jakarta I am refugees UNHCR I am 18 years now I am gay my family know I am gay if I back my country my family kill me..I hope UNHCR help me know 4 years I am stay Indonesia I have adi UNHCR I am happy now and free ...I am free I hope I go some country UNHCR to safe me

[@RandyPaterson]

Check the websites for Rainbow Refugee and Rainbow Railroad for information on Canadian options. There may well be other countries that similarly accept refugees on the basis of LGBTQ status.

[@majesticworth1372]

hi sir I'm an Algerian and live in Algeria I want to know if i can ask for asylum because I Am an LGBT person and I am not in security for along time many people start to understand who really I am can I ask for asylum since my country to Canada and with the help of G5 they can bring me to Canada I hope you will respond me sorry for my bad language

[@RandyPaterson]

I recommend that you get in touch with Rainbow Refugee or Rainbow Railroad. Their websites may also provide much of the information you seek.

[@majesticworth1372]

@@RandyPaterson Thank you for for answering me I actually contact Rainbow refugee three days ago and they not answering yet Is they taking a long time to reply. I really need to to know if I can ask for asylum from Algeria sorry for insisting

[@afghankhan8781]

​@@majesticworth1372what about now please give me updated information what they said did they helped you?

[@slflavo1310]

I mailed all lGBTQ Refugee organisation in Canada,but no reply.only story

[@sonychowdhury7375]

Hii dr randy i am From Bangladesh its soo tuf for Living hear soo i need support to come canada..

[@noorghj4059]

You are not good 😔

[@RandyPaterson]

I'm sorry to hear you feel that way. Can you explain?